Answer
The International Tonnage Certificate (1969) (ITC 69) is a statutory certificate that does not expire. Once issued by the Flag Administration (or a Recognized Organization like IRS), it remains valid indefinitely.
Cancellation Criteria (Statutory Causes)
The certificate can only be cancelled and must be re-issued under the following statutory conditions defined in the International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969:
- Alteration in Ship Structure: Any structural modifications that change the parameters used to calculate Gross Tonnage ($GT$) or Net Tonnage ($NT$):
- Changes in the lightship weight or volume of enclosed spaces (e.g., adding deck extensions, removing cargo holds).
- Changes in the volume of cargo spaces or the total volume of enclosed spaces.
- Change in Maximum Number of Passengers: Alterations that change the total number of passengers the ship is permitted to carry in accordance with its passenger ship certificate. (Net Tonnage is directly influenced by the number of passengers).
- Transfer of Flag: When the ship is transferred to the registry of another Government (Flag State). The old ITC becomes invalid, and the new Flag Administration must issue a new ITC based on a fresh tonnage survey.